Getting around Polperro starts with parking at the village entrance: there is no general visitor parking in the centre, and most visitors cannot drive into the village itself. From there, you can continue on foot or use the tuk-tuk shuttle for access to two points in the centre; luggage needs separate arrangements.
- Arrival by car: Stay on the A387 as you approach Polperro.
- Parking: Use the privately owned main visitor car park at the village entrance.
- Village access: The village has narrow, winding streets; a shuttle runs every 15 minutes from April to October.
- Luggage: The shuttle does not carry luggage, but a local luggage-transfer service is available.
What to expect on arrival in Polperro
Arriving in Polperro by car means parking at the village entrance and continuing into the centre on foot or by shuttle. Polperro Community Council advises drivers to stay on the A387: satellite navigation may direct you down a steep, narrow hill into the village.
The local tourism board says there is no vehicular access into the village unless your accommodation provides a parking space. House on the Props is in the village centre and has no parking, so plan to leave your car in the visitor car park.
If you’re arriving by air, the drive from Newquay Cornwall Airport takes about 72 minutes; the route from Newquay Cornwall Airport to Polperro has more arrival details.
Where can you park in Polperro?
Use Polperro’s privately owned main visitor car park at the village entrance; there is no visitor parking in the village centre, including disabled and motorbike spaces. Polperro Model Village describes the entrance car park as having car, coach and disabled bays.
The car park is pay-and-display, accepts coins and has a change machine for notes. The minimum payment is £7 for 3 hours, and a weekly ticket costs up to £40. Because the car park is privately owned, Cornwall Council does not provide its tariff on the council car-park parking page.
Parking prices and arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go. The village’s harbour, lanes and centre are described in this guide to Polperro’s harbour and village lanes.
Getting around the village on foot
Polperro is a small village with narrow, winding streets, so walking is the usual way to continue from the entrance car park. The village car park has no general visitor spaces in the centre, and visitors without accommodation parking cannot drive into the village itself.
A tuk-tuk shuttle connects the car park with two points in the village centre and carries up to six passengers. It runs every 15 minutes from April to October; passengers board at the stops, as the shuttle cannot be pre-booked.
One-way fares are £2.50 to Zone 2 near the doctors’ surgery and £3 to Zone 3 near the Model Village, payable by cash or card.
The operator also offers a return journey for £1.50 per person to a group of up to six after a qualifying purchase at a participating local business, shown with a receipt. Check the operator’s current details before relying on shuttle services or fares.
Planning luggage, access and onward travel
Arrange luggage transport separately if you need help getting bags from the car park into the village. The tuk-tuk does not transport luggage. A luggage-transfer service can carry one passenger with their luggage; its contact number, 07896 536317, is for text messages only.
Polperro has no railway station. A bus from opposite Looe Railway Station, by the Globe Inn, takes approximately 25 minutes. If you’re combining rail and bus, allow for the transfer between the station and the bus stop when planning your arrival.
FAQs
Can you drive into Polperro village?
Generally, no. There is no vehicular access into the village unless your accommodation provides a parking space.
Where is the visitor car park?
The main visitor car park is at the village entrance. There is no visitor parking in the village centre.
Does the Polperro tuk-tuk carry luggage?
No. The shuttle does not transport luggage; use the separate luggage-transfer service for bags.
Is there a train station in Polperro?
No. A bus from opposite Looe Railway Station, by the Globe Inn, takes approximately 25 minutes.